2015

Procedures for taking the CPIM exams

in North America

The APICS CPIM Program

The APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) program is recognized worldwide as the
standard in production and inventory control. An APICS certification shows a commitment to the profession
that leads to a sense of accomplishment, demonstrates value to an employer, enhances earning potential and
provides a path to career advancement. The APICS CPIM program is divided into five process-oriented topics to
provide participants with the best possible educational assessment and knowledge base.
More than 100,000 professionals have earned the APICS CPIM designation, and nearly 3,000 have advanced
to the APICS Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management (CFPIM) designation. After earning an
APICS CPIM designation, you can begin the process of earning the CFPIM designation. The distinguishing
characteristic of the APICS CFPIM designation is the willingness to share acquired knowledge with others
through presenting, publishing, teaching and participating in professional development activities.
Creating a web login/logging in to the APICS website

If candidates have an APICS ID and email address in their records, but have not created a web profile,
they can visit apics.org/forgotUID, enter their APICS ID as the user name and follow the instructions.
Candidates without an APICS ID can obtain one by creating a web profile at apics.org/newuser.
If candidates have an APICS ID but do not have an email address, or are not sure if they have an email
address in their records, they need to contact APICS Customer Service to have a web profile created
for them. Customer service can be contacted at service@apics.org, 1-800-444-2742 or +1-773-8671777 from 8:00 a.m.5:00 p.m. CT.

Preparing for the exam

APICS offers a variety of resources to build candidates knowledge of the APICS CPIM subject matter and
support APICS CPIM exam preparation:

The APICS CPIM Exam Content Manual, which provides an overview of the curriculum with test
specifications, key terminology and questions with answers
APICS Dictionary, 14th edition
APICS CPIM preparation courses, offered worldwide; candidates can visit apics.org/finder to find a
course near their location
APICS CPIM Study Tools

For a complete list of certification resources, including review courses, study tools and descriptions of the
reference books, candidates may visit Shop APICS at apics.org/shop.
How to earn and keep the designation
Candidates must pass all five APICS CPIM exams within 10 years to earn the APICS CPIM designation.
Candidates are required to maintain the designation every five years. More information about maintenance
may be found at apics.org/maintenance.
Track progress toward the APICS CPIM designation
Candidates can track their progress toward earning the APICS CPIM designation, share their certified status
once the designation is earned, and monitor their maintenance deadline by accessing their My APICS account.
Note: Candidates must log in the APICS website to access My APICS Certifications.

APICS CFPIM qualifications

Individuals looking to obtain the APICS Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management (CFPIM)
designation must complete and submit an application. Points are awarded based on the following criteria:

APICS CPIM exams

Presentations
Published works
Classroom teaching
Volunteering
Practitioner activities

Candidates may obtain an APICS CFPIM application and detailed instructions by visiting apics.org/cfpim or
contacting APICS Customer Service at 1-800-444-2742 or +1-773-867-1777.
APICS Code of Ethics

Maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct;

Not misrepresent your qualifications, experience, or education to APICS or others you serve in a
professional capacity;
Respect and not violate the United States Copyright of all APICS materials, including but not limited to
courseware, magazine articles and other APICS publications, APICS conference presentations, and
CPIM and CSCP examination resources. In this same spirit, you must not violate the copyright of other
organizations and individuals in your professional capacity;
Not engage in or sanction any exploitation of ones membership, company, or profession;
Encourage and cooperate in the interchange of knowledge and techniques for the mutual benefit of
the profession;
In your professional capacity, respect the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals. You must
demonstrate sensitivity to cultural, individual, and role differences, including those due to age, gender,
race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socio-economic
status;
In your professional capacity, not engage in behavior that is harassing or demeaning to others based
on factors including, but not limited to, age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual
orientation, disability, language, or socio-economic status;
Adhere to this Code of Conduct and its application to your professional work. Lack of awareness or
misunderstanding of an ethical standard is not itself a defense to a charge of unethical conduct;
Contact the Ethics Committee when uncertain whether a particular situation or course of action
violates the Code of Conduct; and
Not to become the subject of public disrepute, contempt, or scandal that affects your image or
goodwill.

Failure to abide by the APICS Code of Ethics policy may result in sanctions up to and including decertification.

Exam information
Number of exam questions
APICS CPIM Basics of Supply Chain Management
(BSCM) module

105 multiple choice questions (80 operational and

25 pretest)

APICS CPIM Master Planning of Resources (MPR)

module

75 multiple choice questions per exam

(60 operational and 15 pretest)

APICS CPIM Detailed Scheduling and Planning (DSP)

module
APICS CPIM Execution and Control of Operations (ECO)
module
APICS CPIM Strategic Management of Resources (SMR)
module
Pretest questions do not contribute to the total score but are necessary for research purposes. Pretest
questions are randomly distributed among the scored items and are used for statistical purposes only.
Candidates should answer all exam questions.
Length of exam
Candidates have three hours to complete the exam.
Exam development
Exam content is developed according to the test outline included in the CPIM Exam Content Manual and
industry validated by global subject matter experts. Exam questions are monitored through a rigorous
psychometric calibration and cross-referenced to industry-approved source material.
Exam scoring
APICS uses a scaled score methodology, which is a technique for equating scores in which the degree of
difficulty varies from one exam form to the next. This ensures equivalent passing standards are maintained for
each exam form. Candidates can download Understanding a Scaled Score at apics.org/scaledscore for
more information.
APICS CPIM score range
The APICS CPIM score range is 265 to 330.
Fail = 265299
Pass = 300330

Paying for the exam(s)

Through an APICS chapter
Candidates can purchase an exam credit through an APICS chapter. Exam credits are valid for six months from
the date of issuance and must be used as payment for an exam Authorization to Test (ATT) within that period.
Exam credits are non-transferable and non-refundable. Candidates should contact their APICS chapter for
information on exam pricing and procedures, and can visit apics.org/finder to find a chapter in their local
area.
Through APICS
Candidates who do not purchase an exam credit through an APICS chapter will be prompted for payment prior
to completing the ATT form. ATT forms can be found by accessing their My APICS account or by the following
link: APICS Authorization to Test.
The following pricing applies:
$165 member price
$250 non-member price
Member pricing will be determined by member status on the APICS system at the time the request form is
completed. Exam fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Special test accommodations

Pearson VUE will comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et
seq.) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act as amended (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.) to accommodate candidates
who, because of disability or religious reasons, need special arrangements to take an examination.
If special test arrangements are needed, candidates should follow the instructions posted in the
Accommodations section of pearsonvue.com/apics prior to requesting the Authorization to Test. These
arrangements, if approved, will be provided at no additional cost. Candidates will be contacted by APICS to
complete the Authorization to Test process.
Exam delivery
Exams are delivered via computer-based testing (CBT) through the Pearson VUE network of test centers.
Pearson VUE delivers millions of high-stakes tests a year across the globe for clients in the licensure,
certification, academic admissions, regulatory and government testing service markets. Pearson Professional
Centers utilize a patent-winning design, which was created specifically for high-stakes testing and offers a
carefully controlled, consistent testing environment.
Exam availability
Exams are available throughout the year. Candidates are required to request an Authorization to Test (ATT)
from APICS in order to schedule an appointment with Pearson VUE.
Requesting an Authorization to Test (ATT)
All candidates will be required to log in to their My APICS account and complete the Authorization to Test
Request Form. An ATT is required in order to schedule a CPIM exam with Pearson VUE and is valid for six
months. A candidate must schedule and complete their exam within their six month ATT eligibility period. All
ATTs expire six months from date of purchase. After payment is applied, candidates receive an ATT
confirmation email from APICS with scheduling instructions and other exam-related information. An ATT is nonrefundable and non-transferable.
If the ATT expires without being used to schedule an exam, the candidate forfeits the exam fee.
Completing the Authorization to Test Request Form

Candidates can access the ATT Request Form at apics.org/att.

Candidates will be required to verify name and contact information. The first and last names on this
form must match the first and last names on the IDs that are used to access the test center.
Candidates will be prompted to select the exam module and the country in which they plan to take the
exam. A link to a list of test center locations will be provided. Candidates will be required to confirm
that at least one of those test centers is viable. If a candidate purchases an ATT to test within North
America, they can only schedule their exam at a test center within North America.
Candidates will be required to agree to abide by the APICS Code of Ethics and confirm they have read
and understood the exam policies, procedures, and privacy laws before they can receive an ATT.
Exam fees will be calculated based on the candidates APICS member status at the time the ATT
request form is submitted.
Candidates will be prompted for payment. If an exam credit is available, the exam credit option will be
displayed as method of payment on the payment screen. Other payment options include credit cards
and PayPal for payments in local currency. Please ensure you have chosen the correct exam. Any
exam credit(s) used to purchase an ATT will be considered used and is non-refundable and nontransferable.
Candidates who do not pay by exam credit, credit card or PayPal will have the option of paying with a
wire transfer, in which case they will be sent an invoice. The ATT will not be sent until payment is
received. Additional administrative fees may apply.
It is the candidates responsibility to review the information within the ATT form prior to submitting to
ensure they have chosen the ATT for the correct exam. An ATT is non-refundable and non-transferable.
After submitting the request, candidates will receive a confirmation email containing a summary of the
information submitted in the request form. This email contains payment information and can be used
as a receipt.
Candidates will receive the ATT email immediately following payment unless manual intervention is
required to correct a record. Candidates who do not receive their ATT email within one business day of
payment should contact exams@apics.org.

It is the candidates responsibility to review the information within the ATT email to ensure there are
no errors. If there are any errors or if no ATT is received, the candidate must contact APICS directly.

Cancellation of the Authorization to Test

If the ATT has not yet been used to schedule an exam and it has not yet expired, candidates can request a
cancellation directly with APICS by accessing the online Authorization to Test Request Form. Once logged in,
candidates will have the option to indicate they are unable to test within the authorization period. Any ATT or
exam canceled will result in forfeiture of the entire exam fee paid to APICS and your ATT will be consumed. No
refunds will be issued.
Scheduling the exam

Once candidates receive the ATT email from APICS, they will be immediately redirected to the Pearson
VUE scheduling system. Candidates will no longer be required to generate an independent account
with Pearson VUE. Candidates are strongly encouraged to schedule their examinations immediately
after purchasing their ATT in order to ensure seat availability.
Candidates will only be able to select an exam date that falls within the 6 month ATT validity period.
Upon scheduling the exam(s), candidates will receive a confirmation notice from Pearson VUE via
email. It is the candidates responsibility to review the information within the confirmation notice to
ensure they are registered for the correct test, at the correct site and on the correct date. If there are
any errors or if no confirmation notice is received, the candidate must contact Pearson VUE directly.
Candidates who wish to schedule their exam at a later date may do so by logging in to their My APICS
account, navigating to the Exam Authorizations and Credits under the Certifications tab. Candidates
can use this section to schedule or change their testing appointments.

Rescheduling an exam
Candidates who need to reschedule their exam appointment within their chosen window can make
modifications directly in their My APICS account by accessing the online Authorization to Test Request
Form. Once logged in, candidates will have the option to reschedule their current ATT. Candidates must
pay a USD $45 rescheduling fee. Reschedule requests received less than 24 hours before the scheduled
exam appointment will not be accepted, and if the candidate does not test, the candidate forfeits the
exam fees.
Canceling an exam
Candidates who no longer can test before their ATT expires will forfeit their exam fees. Any exam cancelled will
result in forfeiture of your entire exam fee paid to APICS and your Authorization to Test (ATT) will be consumed.
However, candidates who have already scheduled an exam and can no longer take it are encouraged to cancel
the scheduled exam with Pearson VUE to free up the reserved seat for other exam candidates.
Name changes
If a name change is needed after the ATT is received, candidates must contact APICS at exams@apics.org at
least two business days prior to their scheduled exam. Candidates must submit a copy of the primary
identification they are planning to use to support this change.

On the day of the exam

Reporting to the test center
Candidates must check in at the test center no later than 30 minutes before their scheduled appointment.
Candidates who arrive past this time may be refused admission to the test center and may lose their exam
appointment. Furthermore, they may be considered a no-show and may forfeit the full exam fee.
What to bring
Candidates must bring a valid (bearing a future expiration date) primary identification that includes a recent
photograph and signature:

drivers license
passport
military ID
state ID

company ID

They also must bring a valid secondary identification that includes their signature:

credit card
check cashing card
citizenship card
APICS membership card
another ID from the primary list

The test center staff verifies only the first and last name on the IDs provided to ensure they match the first and
last name on the exam registration. No temporarily issued identification is accepted. Candidates who do not
bring these items on exam day or whose name on the registration does not match their IDs will be denied
admission to the examination. They will be considered a no-show and will forfeit the full exam fee.
An online computer calculator is available during each computer-based exam, but bringing a simple
nonprogrammable calculator into the exam room is also permitted.
English-native language translation books are the only written materials candidates may bring into the exam
room. These books should contain only the literal translation of English words, and should not include a
description of the meaning of the word. The test center manager will inspect these books before candidates
are admitted to the testing room.
What not to bring

APICS Dictionary in any language

books or papers of any kind
protractors, compasses, rulers, stencils, digital assistants or other aids
electronic devices of any kind, including mobile phones and electronic dictionaries
food, drinks or tobacco
visitors

Emergencies
Please contact Pearson VUE directly if you miss a scheduled appointment due to an emergency. Only the
following are acceptable reasons for missing a scheduled exam:

a serious illness (either candidate or an immediate family member*)

the death of an immediate family member
a disabling traffic accident
a court appearance or jury duty
unexpected military duty

*Immediate family members include the following individuals:

spouse
children
siblings
parents
grandparents

If candidates miss an exam for any of these reasons, contact Pearson VUE within 10 business days after the
exam date at 866-583-8949. Candidates must request to have an incident report opened to document the
emergency situation. The call center representative will provide an incident number as well as a fax number to
send in the required documentation. Candidates must submit written documentation in order to have their
request reviewed.
Examples of acceptable documentation include:

a letter from a physician on letterhead, including title, address and phone number
a death notice
documentation from a court or the military

Candidates who have an approved emergency will receive a new ATT. No refunds of the exam fees will be
issued.
Test security
Testing is monitored through the use of one or more of the following: a viewing window, a video monitor or a
sound-monitoring device in the room. Testing sessions may be photographed or videotaped to ensure the
integrity of the APICS certification process.
Breaks
No breaks are scheduled during the exam. If a candidate must leave the room during the exam, they must
notify the test center manager. Timing will not stop during a break.
Misconduct
The test center manager is authorized to dismiss candidates from a test session for the following reasons:

creating a disturbance
giving or receiving help
using notes, books, wristwatch calculators, digital assistants, electronic dictionaries or other aids
using electronic devices, including mobile phones
attempting to remove scratch paper from the testing room
attempting to tamper with the computer
attempting to remove test questions (in any format) from the testing room
failing to follow the test center managers directions
Sharing exam content

In addition, because the entire question data bank, the exam form and all exam materials are copyrighted and
are the legal property of APICS, legal action may be taken against anyone who violates the copyright laws by
distributing examination content or materials through any form of reproduction. Oral, written or electronic
communication during the exam is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.
If a candidate engages in any of these forms of misconduct, at a minimum their exam will not be scored, their
fees will not be refunded and they will be prevented from retaking the exam for six months. Furthermore, APICS
shall review acts of misconduct which may result in

cancellation of the candidates prior or current exam scores

revocation of the candidates certification
discontinuation of the candidates membership

No-show policy
No-show candidates forfeit the exam fees. Candidates are considered a no-show on the day of their scheduled
exam if they:

fail to reschedule or cancel their exam appointment within the appropriate time frame
choose not to keep their exam appointment
do not have an acceptable reason for their absence
have a name on their identifications that does not match the name they registered with and/or the
name APICS has on file, and they are not allowed in the testing room
arrive late for their exam
fail to bring two forms of acceptable identification to the exam

Score report
At the end of the exam, candidates will receive a printed score report that includes the candidates name,
exam title, score, and passed or failed information. If no score report is received prior to leaving the testing
center, the candidate should contact Pearson VUE directly.

Test center closures

If the test center closes, Pearson VUE will contact the candidate to reschedule the exam at no additional
charge. Candidates can also contact Pearson VUE directly to inquire about test center closures.

After exam day

APICS CPIM certificates
Candidates who earn the Basics of Supply Chain Management (BSCM) certificate by obtaining a passing score
on the exam (300 or higher), and candidates who have passed all five CPIM exams and have earned a CPIM
designation, are eligible to obtain a certificate. Notification will be sent via email to qualified candidates upon
completion of the exam with detailed instructions on how to obtain. Candidates can choose from two delivery
options:

An electronic certificate can be downloaded and printed locally by accessing their My APICS account,
at no charge.
A printed certificate can be requested via a link located on My APICS Certification page. The first
requested certificate is complimentary (shipping fees may apply) depending on candidate selection.

Retaking the exams

Candidates who fail an APICS CPIM exam must wait 14 full days before retaking the same exam. There are no
exceptions to this policy.
Appeals policy
Candidates who would like to dispute an APICS Certification action, decision, or determination
may contact APICS at certification@apics.org for additional information.
Candidate feedback
Shortly after the exam date, candidates will be sent a survey to obtain feedback on their overall testing
experience. This survey can also be accessed through a link on the My APICS Certifications page.
Credential Verification
This online service located on the Credential Verification page will provide the public, prospective employers
and other stakeholders with a way to verify an individuals certification status. Candidates may also view and
print their own credential verification by accessing their MY APICS account. APICS credential verification is
designed to:

Elevate the credibility of APICS certification in the marketplace.

Comply with industry best practice standards for publicizing certification credentials.
Protect the value of the credential for all our designees.

APICS Privacy Policy

In applying for APICS Certification Programs, you consent to APICS disclosure of Certification Information to
third parties. Moreover, in applying for APICS Certification Programs you acknowledge and waive any and all
rights to opt out of our collection and distribution of your Certification information, and you further agree that
APICS has no liability for providing this information. To view the detailed APICS Privacy policy, please click here.
For frequently asked questions, please visit apics.org/certification/faq.

Whom should I contact?

Contact APICS at exams@apics.org if you

have a question about a payment method

need help with any unresolved testing problems
need to make a name change after the ATT was issued

Contact APICS at certification@apics.org if you

have questions regarding the APICS Certification Maintenance program.

Contact APICS Customer Service at 1-800-444-2742 or 1-773-867-1777 or service@apics.org if you

need information about the APICS CPIM program

have problems completing the Authorization to Test Request Form
have problems downloading your APICS electronic certificate

Contact Pearson VUE hours at 1-866-583-8949 if you

need help scheduling your exam (and are unable to access your My APICS account)
missed your scheduled exam for emergency reasons
want to reschedule or cancel your exam test date (and are unable to access your My APICS account)
have a question about or correction to your confirmation notice
wonder if your exam has been canceled because of bad weather
need assistance with unresolved scheduling problems
need special accommodations for an exam
have a complaint about a test center or a testing experience

All policies and procedures in this bulletin are subject to change.

apics.org